Ernst seeks to understand rural veteran’s needs

Kevin Provost, Union County Veterans Affairs director, was one of nine veterans affairs representatives whom met with Joni Ernst Feb. 9 for a round table discussion in Council Bluffs.

“We got a chance to have a really nice round table discussion with her in reference to issues facing veterans today,” said Provost.

One problem Provost identified for Union County veterans is the access, or lack thereof, to quality health care.

“If the veterans want to get health care, they have to go to Des Moines, to Omaha … there’s nothing in the south central part [of Iowa],” said Provost.

Community-based outpatient clinics that specialize in serving Veterans exist throughout the state, however south central Iowa does not have one. This topic was discussed at the meeting.

Not having closer access to community-based outpatient clinics like this costs the veterans time and costs tax payers money. This is because transportation for veterans to appointments is paid for by the county, which Provost said costs approximately $72 per round-trip.

The Veterans Affairs Office in Union County will be purchasing a van through grant money from the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) which Provost said will help keep transportation costs down.

Another topic discussed at the round table discussion with Ernst is the difficulty and confusion related to filling out forms, which can be confusing or outdated. This is a problem because when outdated forms are used, the forms must be resubmitted in order to be accepted.

“Any veterans that are in the area, come in and see me …this is all money, if they’re injured while they’re in the service, they’re entitled to it. It’s a benefit that was there for them,” said Provost. “I would tell anyone that might need some type of assistance, or just needs help with the forms, to come in and see me.”

Provost said approximately 1,000 veterans live in Union County, all of whom need a varying degree of services.